gussying up

verb

present participle of gussy up
as in decorating
to make more attractive by adding something that is beautiful or becoming gone are the days when the high school prom was held in the gym, which had been gussied up for the occasion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gussying up
  1. decorating
  2. adorning
  3. doing up
  4. draping
Verb
  • Throw Pillows Throw pillows are decorating powerhouses that can make your bedroom or living room look more stylish and feel more inviting.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 18 July 2026
  • Handmade pottery, especially serving bowls and pitchers, is perfect for decorating shelves, consoles, and mantels.
    — Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026
Definition of decorating
Verb
  • The Wingman looks much the same as the 2024-debut Safari Cruiser, albeit with a different accessory set adorning its exterior and interior.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • But Miller's choice of further adorning her chains with pretty pearl charms is what really takes her style game to the next level.
    — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Definition of adorning
Verb
  • What in the world are those overgrown basketballs doing up there?
    — Rui Bo, The Conversation, 18 May 2026
  • Wednesday’s practice started with some of the players doing up-downs after forgetting equipment.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of doing up
Verb
  • The visual essay below features virtuoso examples of the techniques that designers have used to replicate the ideals of classical dress over the years, including draping, pleating, twisting, and wrapping.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 16 July 2026
  • The spices mingle with the butter, draping over the tomato slices like savory sprinkles that crunch against their tender flesh.
    — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 July 2026
Definition of draping
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Gussying up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gussying%20up. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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